Vancouver to Tokyo

Vancouver is a city that truly has it all—mountains, the sea, culture, art, and more. Many cities claim to offer everything, but few can do it as well as Vancouver. Known for its livability, simply visiting this modern city surrounded by stunning natural beauty is exciting. Vancouver offers all the comforts of a sophisticated metropolis, yet even downtown has a refreshing mountain air. What makes Vancouver unique is how easily you can move from the city's skyscrapers to vast oceans and towering mountains.

For panoramic views, head to the Vancouver Lookout Tower, where you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of the city nestled within the surrounding wilderness. But where to start your exploration? Art enthusiasts might visit the Vancouver Art Gallery or the Contemporary Art Gallery. Nature lovers can catch a ferry to Vancouver Island to see grizzly bears, whales, and orcas. For those interested in culture, Vancouver’s historic Chinatown is a must-see, offering everything from delicious dim sum to Chinese apothecaries selling herbs for health.

Stanley Park, a beautiful natural oasis right by the city, is another treasure. The park’s pine tree-covered trails provide solitude and spectacular views. The Seawall, a 20-mile coastal path, is perfect for a walk, run, or bike ride between Coal Harbour and Kitsilano Beach. You can relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and city.

Sail through some of Alaska's most breathtaking winter landscapes, navigating between rugged, snow-covered islands and massive glaciers. Cruising along this 500-mile stretch of Alaskan beauty feels like drifting through a living masterpiece of nature, with towering mountains rising from the shoreline and clusters of islands dotting the dark waters. This route is popular because of its calm, sheltered waters, and it offers stunning views at every turn. You might spot killer whales gliding through icy passages, harbor seals lounging on floating ice, or clouds clinging to distant mountain peaks.

This Alaskan coastline is a place of dramatic natural beauty, where glaciers creak and groan before shedding huge chunks of ice that crash into the water with explosive splashes. While the raw power of nature is awe-inspiring, it's the serene beauty of the passage that truly moves you—still waters that suddenly part to reveal humpback whales breaching in the distance. The Inside Passage is a stunning journey through Alaska's rugged coast, filled with glaciers, remote villages, and fjords, offering an unforgettable experience of nature’s wonders.

The 'Salmon Capital of the World' is a thrilling introduction to wild and wonderful Alaska, sitting at the southern gateway to the Inside Passage's famed route of larger-than-life scenery. Cruise through the waters, or soar just above in a sightseeing plane, to take in the full majesty of the magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument. Home to grizzly and black bears - as well as cruising whales and swimming seals - the wildlife spotting opportunities in this majestic corner of the world are nothing short of spectacular. Towered over by steep banks and valley walls, Ketchikan's ocean inlet is peppered with granite stacks, looming from the waters. Surrounded by glorious landscapes, head to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, which is alive with bald eagles, black bears, and remarkable, thick, yellow banana slugs - the squeamish are advised to keep well clear. Visit Ketchikan's Heritage Center, where a collection of intricately carved totem poles rises, preserving the heritage of the indigenous Tlingit and Haida people of these lands. Ketchikan has the world's largest collection and some of the oldest and most precious totems in existence. This frontier city hasn't always been so wholesome, however. See the colorful historic street that is built on crooked stilts over Ketchikan Creek, which has a crude history as the main red-light district in the city. The brothels closed in the 1950s, but you can explore this legendarily seedy past at Dolly's House - a brothel turned museum. See the Married Man trail, a historical route used to enter Creek Street away from prying eyes.

5 Included Shore Excursions
Saxman Native Village & City Tour

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, approximately half a mile, with 500 feet of incline to negotiate and some gravel paths. Stairs can be bypassed, making this tour suitable for guests in a wheelchair, though an ADA-accessible vehicle must be requested in advance. There is no minimum age to participate, but vehicles do not have a child safety seat. Guests are recommended dress in warm layers and wear comfortable walking shoes, and to bring binoculars and bottled water. Space on this tour is somewhat limited; booking well in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please note: A short walk of approximately 5 minutes is required from the pier to the venue. Should the ship be docked at Pier 4, transportation is provided. The venue is wheelchair accessible, electric wheelchairs and scooters can be accommodated. This tour is recommended for all guests. Videotaping of the show is not permitted, but still photography is welcome. This tour is not exclusive to Silversea Guests.

Ketchikan by Land & Sea

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the amphibious vehicle. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a light sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

Ketchikan Cultural Discovery

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 0.5 miles (800 meters) over gravel paths with some inclines for approximately 164 feet (50 meters), with 3 steps to climb in and out of the vehicle and it is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable footwear that can get wet, as this tour operates in all weather conditions. A minimum number of guests are required to operate. The order of sights seen may vary.

Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves walking on mostly flat, improved trails that are relatively smooth, with some inclines and no steps. It is suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair providing they are accompanied by another guest able to push the chair up slight inclines on compressed gravel. Total walking distance is .75 miles (1.2 kilometers). Dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable shoes that can get wet as this tour operates in all weather conditions. Rain ponchos are provided. Wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed.

Extraordinary adventures amid nature's wildest staging await at Juneau. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier sprawls down from Juneau Icefield, which provides an icy cap to the area's rip-roaring scenery. State capitals simply don't get more dramatic than this isolated, remote city lost amid the Alaskan wilds. Even the roads eventually peter out, absorbed by forests and viewpoints, firmly underlining the isolated location, hidden behind an impenetrable wall of rigid mountains. Rise up to Mount Roberts Tramway's viewpoint, to see the city swallowed by this most colossal backdrop. This is glacier country, and no fewer than 38 ice flows branch off from the main Juneau Icefield, slowly carving out valleys in their wakes. Taku Glacier cuts deep into the mountain, forming a colossal sculpture that is one of the world's thickest - almost a mile deep. Mendenhall Glacier cascades down, just 12 miles away from downtown, terminating in its own lake and visitor center. With 1,500 square miles of ice field to explore, one of the best ways to take in the magnitude and majesty of this epic ice sculpture is to hold on tight on as the propeller whirs, and you soar into the skies on an exhilarating sightseeing flight. Cruising up above the icy world that fills in these serrated mountain peaks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The animals that inhabit the Southeast Alaskan wilds are just as inspiring as the landscapes - families of bears patrol the riverbanks, bald eagles survey the surroundings watchfully, and Pacific humpbacks migrate from Hawaii's waters to feast on the krill-rich, icy waters. Fish for huge catches, power across the ice in a snow-sledge, or kayak just below glaciers. However you choose to immerse yourself in it, Juneau's incredible outdoor adventures never disappoint.

6 Included Shore Excursions
Mendenhall Glacier & Gardens

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please Note:  For all Saturday calls of 2025: Due to federal staffing limitations, the Visitor Center has reduced operating hours this summer and is closed on Saturdays. However, even when the Visitor Center is closed, your tour still has access to the glacier views, trails, and restrooms. To ensure a smooth experience for the guests, the local tour operator has staff on-site to assist with directions and logistics during the closure. This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 400 feet (120 meters) and at guest discretion at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair, however at Glacier Gardens, guest must be able to transfer from a wheelchair to the tram car (collapsible wheelchair can accompany guest in tram car to be used at viewing platform). Ramps and an elevator are available at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre. Various mapped trails of all levels are available at guest leisure to explore based on their own abilities. Guests that require a lift vehicle must notify the Shore Concierge Desk upon embarking the vessel. Lightweight, comfortable layered clothing, a weatherproof jacket, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Local currency and credit cards are accepted.

Mendenhall Glacier Guides Choice Trail Hike

• Activity Level - Physically Fit
• Please note: This is very strenuous and requires guest able to hike for up to 3.5 hours covering 4-6 miles over an elevation gain from 600-1000ft. Guests with any health issues or recent surgeries should consult their doctor before participating. Participants must sign a waiver. Dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots. This tour operates in all weather conditions

Juneau Gold - Underground Mining Heritage

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 133 yards (about 121 meters), at times over uneven, gravel and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with claustrophobia.  This tour is ADA accessible with a 5% incline on the boardwalk in the tunnel. Wheel chairs and electric scooters are welcome. Guests that require a lift vehicle must notify the Shore Concierge Desk upon embarking the vessel. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases. Guests must be at least three years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Hard hats are provided and must be worn only in the tunnel. Earplugs are provided for parts of the tunnel due to the operation of loud equipment; parents should consider the loud noise for young children. The tunnel-walk takes place on a wooden boardwalk with a 5% incline in the initial area. The tour sequence may vary.

Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible)
• Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking, approximately 250 yards (228 meters). It is suitable for guests with limited mobility; however, there is a raised threshold that those utilizing a wheelchair would need to cross. Scooters are not permitted. This wildlife sightseeing cruise features guaranteed whale and wildlife sightings. On board souvenir shop available and accepts USD cash and credit cards. Whale sightings on surrounding dates continue to have 99.9% success rate. Guests that require a lift vehicle must notify the Shore Concierge Desk upon embarking the vessel. Beer, wine, additional snacks, and Alaskan-made retail products are available for purchase. Must be at least 21 years old to consume alcoholic beverages.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre & Goldbelt Tram

• Activity Level - Minimal  (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please Note: For all Saturday calls of 2025: Due to federal staffing limitations, the Visitor Center has reduced operating hours this summer and closed on Saturdays. However, even when the Visitor Center is closed, your tour still has access to the glacier views, trails, and restrooms. To ensure a smooth experience for the guests, the local tour operator has staff on-site to assist with directions and logistics during the closure. This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 50 yards (46 meters) and up to 1 mile (1609 meters) at guest's discretion. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. Ramps and an elevator are available at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre. Various mapped trails of all levels are available at guest leisure to explore based on their own abilities. Guests that require a lift vehicle must notify the Shore Concierge Desk upon embarking the vessel. Lightweight, comfortable layered clothing, a weatherproof jacket, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Souvenir shops are located in both the recreation area and the tram visitor center.  Local currency and credit cards are accepted.

Glacier View Sea Kayaking

• Activity Level - Physicall Fit
• Please note: This tour is recommended only for guests in good physical condition and requires up to 120 minutes of paddling. Although a minimal amount of walking is required, guests must be able to climb into the kayak. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Tour is conducted in 2-person kayaks in groups of up to 6 kayaks. Dressing in layers and wearing footwear that can get wet is recommended; rain gear is provided. Bring goves and an extra pair of socks.Guests must weigh between 40 and 275 pounds (18-124 kilograms / 3-19 stone) or fit in a cockpit that is 17 inches x 17 inches (43 centimeters) and sign a waiver to participate. Although commonly observed on this type of excursion, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children 13 to 17 years must have a signed parental consent form to participate without the parent or guardian. Space is limited. This tour is not exclusive to Silversea guests.

Feel the same rush of excitement as the gold rush chasers did when they first arrived in Skagway, intent on finding their fortune. While the gold may now be gone, a treasure trove of natural glory waits to be discovered here. The adrenaline of America's legendary gold rush still pulses along Skagway's streets, especially in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the historic downtown area - which sprang up during the heady heights of the 1890s gold rush. The jagged mountain ridges - with peaks of white snow above a treeline of soaring pine forests - provide a reward for the ages. Recapture the evocative sense of adventure as you ride one of the world's most spectacular railroads. Your engine puffs steam below the precipitous, colossal scenery, while the vintage carriages curve around the White Pass & Yukon Route, alongside tumbling waterfalls and spanning deeply-etched gorges. Wander historic trails like the Chilkoot Trail Hike to walk in the well-trodden footsteps of the gold seekers. Set on the northern tip of the Inside Passage, Skagway luxuriates in a remarkably beautiful and dramatic landscape. Explore mighty rivers teeming with thick salmon leaping over rapids and see brown bears edging from the shelter of the trees. Endless forests spread as far as the eye can see, while bald eagles perch on treetops, surveying the surroundings from above. Whales roam offshore, and glaciers creak and calve nearby, in this magical natural kingdom.

3 Included Shore Excursions
Rainforest Bicycle Adventure

• Activity Level - Physically Fit
• Please note: This tour requires pedalling a bicycle with handbrakes for approximately 1.5 hours / 5 miles (8 kilometers) while negotiating rough sections of dirt road and trails on mostly flat terrain. It is recommended only for those guests who are physically fit and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Dress warmly in layers and wear closed-toe shoes; rain gear, mandatory helmets, and gloves are provided. Guests must sign a waiver to participate. Participants must be a minimum of 10 years of age, a minimum of 4' 6'' inches (137 centimeters) in height and weigh less than 250 pounds (113.39 kilograms/17.85 stone). Space is limited.

Skagway Streetcar City Tour

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves minimal walking; however, guests must be able to embark/disembark the streetcar via steps. The tour sequence may vary. Wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on the vintage vehicles. Participation is limited.  

White Pass Scenic Railway

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 300 feet (92 meters) with five steps to embark/disembark the train. A wheelchair-lift carriage may be arranged with advanced notice to ShoreConcierge@Silversea.com. Scooters cannot be accommodated. Silversea guests have exclusive train cars, subject to a minimum number of participants. Guests did not get off the train at mile point 14.

A distant land of bears, wild landscapes, and icy adventures, sail between glorious islands and witness the diverse wildlife of the Inside Passage. Eagles watch over the scenery overhead, while whales and sea lions add glorious weight to the animal life that thrives and thrashes in these icy seas. With a quintet of Pacific salmon species filling the rich rivers and waterways with life, settle back to enjoy the show, as Sitka's immense set pieces play out before you. You might notice the onion-shaped dome atop St. Michael's Church - a relic of the area's Russian history. Sitka formed a part of the Russian Empire until a deal was struck in 1867, and the territory was sold to the United States, with the handover ceremony taking place here in Sitka. The native Tlingit culture is an important presence, and elaborate totem poles rocket up in Sitka National Historical Park. They mark the battleground of 1804 when the indigenous people clashed fiercely with the Russians. The snow-capped peak of the dormant volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, draws understandable comparisons with Mount Fuji's symmetrical cone. Climb to thrilling heights, as you arrive on Kruzof Island, and enjoy richly spellbinding views of the scattered Pacific islands, while hiking. Whether you want to spend your time flying above snow-dusted mountain ridges, fishing for colossal King salmon, or savoring Northwest frontier cuisine in waterfront restaurants, there's no shortage of ways to experience Sitka's natural wonders.

8 Included Shore Excursions
Sitka's Cultural History & Alaska Raptor

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.75 miles (about 1.2 kilometers), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited; a ramp is available at the venue with the most stairs. Walking in Sitka is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, and US Dollars for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.

Taste of Sitka

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometers), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. Walking in Sitka is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair, provided they are able to enter/exit the vehicle without assistance. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, and $USD for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Raptor Encounters and Sitka Discovery

• Actvity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, a weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.

Raptors and Ravens: Discovering Sitka

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please note: A minimal amount of walking is required on this historic tour. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who use a manual wheelchair; however, all guests must be able to embark/disembark the coach via steps. The optional rainforest walk in the park along a gravel parkway is at your discretion. The order of sights may vary.

Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking however, guests must be able to embark/disembark the boat via steps.  Those guests sensitive to motion should take precautions at least 2-hours prior to tour departure. Vessel has main inside deck with panoramic windows; upper deck is an open observation deck. Shopping is available on small on-board gift shop as well as after the tour (time permitting).  USD cash and credit cards are accepted. Dress warmly and bring a rainproof jacket. Due to shipside embarkation or disembarkation, if guests use a wheelchair, they must be able to take steps on and off the vessel.

Sitka Walking Tour

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometers) on flat paved and even surfaces. The surface inclines steeply while approaching Castle Hill. This tour is wheelchair accessible, please make arrangements with the onboard Shore Concierge desk. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.

Sitka City Highlights and Raptor Experience

• Activity Level - Moderate
•  Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 630 yards (about 576 meters), at times over uneven and natural surfaces. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 2 years old to participate on this tour. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.

Hubbard Glacier, off the coast of Yakutat, Alaska, is the largest glacier in North America, with a calving front that is more than six miles wide. One of the main sources for Hubbard Glacier originates 76 miles inland. It has been a very active glacier, experiencing two major surges in the past 30 years. This glacier was named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, a U.S. lawyer, financier, and philanthropist. He was the first president of the National Geographic Society.

Monumental scenery surrounds you in this remote corner of the world, where glaciers calve and whales cruise through inky waters, before an immense mountain backdrop. Almost totally submerged by the colossal landscapes around it, Seward - and the wonders of Kenai Fjords National Park - offer some of astonishing Alaska's most thrilling scenery. Located in a deep gash in the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is a place to immerse yourself in nature's majesty. Fjords carve into the landscape, while the Harding Icefield - which caps Kenai Fjords National Park - reaches out its icy fingers, with glaciers spilling down between mountain peaks. Head to Holgate Glacier, to come face to face with a breathtaking stack of intense blue and white ice. Get up close in a kayak or boat ride, to slalom through the discarded confetti of ice chunks, and perhaps even witness the powerful spectacle of an ice ledge creaking and groaning, before plunging to the waters below. The city of Anchorage is easily within reach from here, offering an incongruous contrast to the wild wonders of Alaska. A place where deep-sea fishermen bump shoulders with businesspeople on the 9-5, it's a fascinating, remote city. Home to almost half of the Alaskan population, Anchorage and its humble skyline are dwarfed by the snowy peaks of the wilderness beyond. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture, traditions and heritage of the First Nations people of these lands too.

1 Included Shore Excursion
Alaska Sea Life Center

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair; elevators and escalators are available. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a warm, weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. The tour sequence may vary.

The serrated ridges of the snow-flecked Kenai Mountains - emerging across the water - provide a wild and wonderfully cinematic setting for the humble town of Homer. Reaching out into this vast watery panorama is Homer spit, a narrow tongue of land, which bridges out into the broad expanse of Kachemak Bay. A former gold-prospecting camp, Homer still has plenty of treasure to offer, sitting here amid Alaska's priceless wildlife and landscapes. Almost five miles out along the spit, you suddenly chance across Lands End Resort - the perfect place to absorb the blockbuster views across the water, and sink juicy oysters. Tiny planes scatter from Homer into the Alaskan wilderness, on the hunt for grizzly bear-watching opportunities. Encounter these most extraordinary creatures as they wade for fish, and play with their young on the riverbanks. The bears are just scratching the surface of the wildlife that lives here, however, and you can take boat rides, or kayaks, out onto the marine estuary to get close to the beautiful minke, beluga, and humpback whales that patrol the waters. Hike to extraordinary views, or jump in a helicopter for a pulse-raising ride above this wild, whitewash landscape - to skirt over glaciers draped between mountain peaks. If you'd rather stay grounded, relish the views of distant icy flows spilling down mountains as you eat in the town's restaurants. Anglers can enjoy leisurely afternoons, tossing their hooks into the salty waters, and picking up rich rewards in monstrous halibuts and salmon in this fishing capital. Halibut Cove is, unsurprisingly, one of the prime fishing spots near Homer.

The domain of grizzlies, brown and black bears, Kodiak Island is a raw, wild, and utterly authentic Alaskan wilderness. The Emerald Isle is the USA's second-largest island, and with a wilderness stretching out over 3,670 square miles, it's a thrilling voyage into the Alaskan unknown. The weather may get a little cloudy at times, but the locals actively welcome a covering of cloud - perhaps partly because the clouds and fog are said to have deterred Japanese attacks during World War II's hostilities. Be sure to bring your camera with you; it's nigh on impossible to take a bad photo of these irresistible vistas - and you'll quickly see why Kodiak Island is the destination of choice for wildlife documentary producers. Cinematic set pieces regularly play out, as eagles soar over expansive sweeps of fir-tree forested mountains and still lakes, releasing occasional piercing calls. Some of the animal kingdom's most feared and revered creatures call Kodiak Island home, and your first sight of a bear reaching a massive paw into the water, or treading through a gently burbling stream, live with you forever. Soar in a seaplane to track the bears with an expert guide. Masters of disguise, it often takes a trained eye to spot the bears in their natural habitats. The waters of Kodiak Island are also home to some of the world's most productive fishing. Try out your own skills, or accompany a seafaring fishing vessel, to witness life on the waves first-hand, as they plunder the depths of the ocean.

3 Included Shore Excursions
Kodiak Highlights

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, with approximately 15 steps each at the Kodiak History Museum and Alutiiq Museum. There are undergoing construction works at the Alutiiq Museum therefore, this visit, might be replaced with a visit to the Touch Tank and Aquarium. Fort Abercrombie Museum is accessed via a gravel walking path of about 50 feet. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility; however, guests must be able to embark/disembark the bus via steps. This tour operates transit-style school buses. To avoid congestion at the various venues, the tour sequence may vary. Guides are local residents and are the best available. Dress in warm layers, with water-resistant outerwear and footwear. Remember to bring your camera.

Self Guided Nature Walk

• Activity Level - Extensive
• Please note: This tour involves a self guided walk of approximately 1.5-2 miles (2.4-3.2 kilometers) over natural unpaved trails, including inclines and 68 stairs. Trails pass ocean-side bluffs. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to dress warmly in layers, including water-resistant outerwear and wear hiking shoes or boots. Entrance to the Museum in the park, if open, is not included and is $10 USD cash.Transportation to and from the trail head is via school bus. Space on this tour is very limited; early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Whale sightings from the bluffs cannot be guaranteed. Fear of heights may impede enjoyment in some areas as the trail passes several cliffsides to the ocean.

Kodiak Waterfront Walking Tour

• Activity Level - Extensive
• Please note: This tour involves walking one mile along rough road conditions including an unpaved area, occasional curbs, wooden harbour floats and two harbour ramps 50 feet long which slope up to 20 degrees at low tide. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Children over 10 may be brought on this tour. Sturdy comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests should dress according to the time of year, bearing in mind Alaska's often inclement weather.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Planet Earth is divided into 24 different time zones and regardless of where you are on the planet, the time and date always change at midnight. So, for those who travel westwards, time moves seemingly “slower” over the time zones, gaining one hour per time zone crossed, but you suddenly find yourself one day older when crossing the date line from the Western to the Eastern Hemisphere since you have to adjust for the time 'gained'! Just to confuse matters even further, the IDL (International Date Line) is arbitrary, and countries can request to move it as they please! For two hours every day (between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. GMT), the world has three different dates, meaning that when it is 11.30 p.m. on Sunday in American Samoa (GMT-11), it is 6.30 a.m. on Monday in New York City (GMT-4) and 12.30 a.m. on Tuesday in Kiritimati, Line Islands (GMT+14)!

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Gaze down over Hakodate, from the heights of its namesake peak - Mount Hakodate - to see the city stretching out spectacularly, with back-to-back twin bays splitting the ocean. Hakodate port was one of the first to open Japan up to the world and to international trade in 1859 - a fact reflected in the architecture, with its influences from the West and beyond. The port area is a redbrick wash of warehouses turned shopping malls, all observed by the onion domes of the city's Russian Orthodox church. Elsewhere, the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress glows with natural colors and a beautiful haze of cherry blossoms during the season. Goryokaku Tower, which rises up beside it, offers a sweeping bird's eye view of the green fortress and mountain backdrop. Buses trundle up the 335-meter incline to the top of Mount Hakodate, but the best way to reach the views is to jump on the ropeway, which swings high above downtown's buildings, over a carpet of pine trees. Head up to the mountain's heights as sunset approaches. With darkness sweeping in, and the lights flickering to life, the panorama is one of Japan's most spectacular. Soak it all in, and look out to the horizon, dotted with the shimmering lights of ships hauling in harvests of the city's renowned squid. The plankton-rich waters attract a delicious variety of feasting sea life to Hakodate's coast, which is then plated up in the city's numerous, skilled restaurants. For an eye-opening, whirring morning, see the freshest produce being doled out at Hakodate Morning Market - amid a cacophony of noise and activity.

2 Included Shore Excursions
Introduction to Hakodate

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of walking for approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 20 steps at the aerial cable car on Mt. Hakodate, and up to 40 steps at the Goryokaku Tower. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and carry a sweater or windbreaker for the visit at Mt. Hakodate; you need one if you opt to walk around outside the observatory. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.  The view from Goryokaku Tower and the Mt, Hakodate observatory is weather permitting. (Hakodate cable car is not operating due to the bad weather. In this case, the tour goes up/ down to Mt. Hakodate by bus and may partially vary the tour itinerary. Local tour guides often have strong accents; flexibility is encouraged.

Hakodate Museum & Mount Hakodate

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), with 40 steps at the aerial cable car on Mt. Hakodate and up to 70 steps at the top of the mountain as well as 40 steps at the museum. This tour is suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair but must be able to embark and disembark the coach on their own. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring a sweater or jacket as it may be cool at the summit. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The view from Goryokaku Tower and Mt. Hakodate is dependent upon the weather conditions. At Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples, no flash photography or food is permitted inside. (Hakodate cable car is not operating due to the bad weather. In this case, the tour goes up/ down to Mt. Hakodate by bus and may partially vary the tour itinerary. Local tour guides often have strong accents; flexibility is encouraged.

Located in southwestern Hokkaido, about 130 km south of Sapporo, Muroran runs along the coast and takes up most of the peninsula area. The southwest coast of the peninsula is formed of huge 100-meter cliffs and faces Uchiura Bay, while the southeastern coast of the peninsula meets the Pacific Ocean. The large, deep, water port dates from 1872 made the city an industrial hub, and the town’s nickname “the city of steel”, gives you more or less a feel for what one can expect. Despite not being a tourist hotspot, visitors can expect an authentic taste of Japan that is undiluted. Natural splendor abounds, 5 km from the port, find you at the foot of Cape Chikyu. Hike the 147 meters to the observatory to witness some stunning vistas across the arching Pacific Ocean or travel to the Jigoku-Dani Hot Springs. Known as “Hell Valley” because of the bubbling, sulphuric waters, the 24-acre natural park is also home to the famous Jacuzzi-loving snow monkeys. Lake Toya said to be 110,000 years old is also a must for nature lovers, with its lava domes and pyroclastic cones that make up the Nakajima islands at the center of the lake. So lovely is the lake that it is considered one of the 100 Most Beautiful Scenes of Japan. Unsurprisingly, gastronomy is centered around fresh seafood, with sushi and sashimi being high on the list of offerings. However, meat eaters should not despair, as the town offers some fantastic Teppanyaki options, so make sure you visit hungry!

1 Included Shore Excursion
Views of Muroran

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometers), at times over uneven, gravel, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 20 steps at Lake Toya, and 300 steps at Mt. Usu. This tour is not suitable for guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Although credit cards are mostly accepted, Japanese Yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Proper attire is required to enter temples and shrines; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Muroran may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, flexibility and understanding are encouraged when visiting unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighboring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours; thank you for your understanding. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Set on the eastern coast in Japan's Iwate prefecture, Miyako promises stunning scenery and Jorman history in equal measure. The coastal city of around 50,000 inhabitants is almost 600 km (372 miles) from Tokyo, but boasts one of the finest beaches in Japan, as well as a treasure trove of succulently fresh seafood restaurants. While travelers to Miyako might arrive expecting the usual amalgam of cultural attractions and high-tech wizardry, they leave with memories of one of the greatest garden cities they have ever experienced. During the Edo period (1603-1868) the town was once considered as Japan's main seaport, and it is still an important port today with a thriving fishing industry. Mother Nature really does come into her own in Miyako. The city is bordered by the vast Sanriku Fukkō National Park, one of the National Parks of Japan. Sanriku Fukkō stretches for 180 km (111 miles) along the coast and is home a wonderful variety of flora and fauna, including groves of Japanese red pine, rhododendrons, and Rosa rugosa. Numerous bird species, including the black-tailed gull and shearwater, call the park home. Butterflies float gently on the breeze and hummingbirds sail like darts through the trees. What's more, bird lovers undoubtedly love that the nearby Hidejima Island and Sanganjima Island are the only breeding grounds in Japan for the band-rumped storm-petrel.

3 Included Shore Excursions
Miyako Geo Park

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking with approximately 10 steps to negotiate. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair who must be able to get on/off the coach without assistance. Lightweight comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. As many local vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Local tour guides often have strong accents; flexibility is encouraged.

Jodogahama & Ryusendo

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and approximately 310 steps at the Caves. This tour and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. The cave's year-round temperature is approximately 50° therefore it is recommended to bring a warm outer layer. Ryusendo is a 'living' cave; water often drips from the cave roof; guests may wish to wear a rain jacket. The ground is wet and slippery. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Lightweight comfortable clothing, sturdy non-skid walking shoes are recommended. Please be advised that special dietary requests or menu substitutions may be not be possible to accommodate in this program. As many local vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. The tour sequency may vary. Local tour guides often have strong accents; flexibility is encouraged.

Cultural Exchange with Junior High School Students in Miyako

• Activity Level - Moderate

Sendai has got it just right. Urban and big enough to be interesting, full of cultural monuments, shopping experiences, unique foods, and festivals whilst cultivating a friendly, relaxed vibe.

To appreciate the city in all its beauty, visit the AER Observation deck, situated 31 floors up of the AER building. During the day, look out beyond the high and low-rise mismatched buildings, to see a skyline of the mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. After sunset there's a fabulous view of the city lights to admire.

Date Masamune, who founded the city over 400 years ago, was a legendary Japanese warrior known as "One-eyed Dragon". Many of the beautiful historical sites around the city are connected to him. The noble statue at Sendai Castle, the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine he commissioned, and his final resting place the Zuihoden Mausoleum. Visiting these sites allows you to understand the city in its rich historical context.

Also known as the "City of Trees", the city celebrates the seasons with fantastic displays of cherry blossoms in the spring and spectacular golden hues in the autumn. However, in August, during the largest Tanabata Festival in Japan, thousands of long, colorful streamers, made by schools and community groups, hang in the streets and shops, turning the city into a festive, colored forest.

Take away a little bit of Sendai, lacquerware, Kokeshi dolls, exquisite handmade Yanagiu Washi paper, or specialty foods, are all wonderful souvenirs of this vibrant, authentic city.

1 Included Shore Excursion
Highlights of Sendai

• Activity Level - Extensive
• Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking of approximately 2.6 km or 1.6 miles at times over uneven surface and 240 steps to negotiate at the visited sites and a few to get on/off the coach. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Japanese Yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. Order of visit may vary. Local tour guides often have strong accents; flexibility is encouraged.

Dense and delightful, there's nowhere else like Japan's kinetic capital - a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with a relentless pursuit for the future's sharpest edge. See the city from above, as elevators rocket you up to towering viewing platforms, from which you can survey a vast urban ocean, interspersed with sky-scraping needles. Look out as far as the distant loom of Mount Fuji's cone on clear days. Futuristic - second-accurate - transport seamlessly links Tokyo's 14 districts, while the glow of flashing advertisement boards, clinking of arcade machines, and waves of humanity flowing along its streets, adds to the sense of mesmerizing, dizzying, and glorious sensory overload. One of Tokyo's most iconic sights, don't miss the flood of people scrambling to cross Shibuya's famous intersection. Join the choreographed dance, as crowds of briefcase-carrying commuters are given the green light to cross at the same time - all bathed in the light of massive neon advertisements. The culture is immensely rich and deep, with 7th-century, lantern-decorated temples, stunning palaces, and tranquil scarlet shrines waiting below cloaks of incense and nestling between soaring skyscrapers. Restaurants serve up precisely prepared sushi, and wafer-thin seafood slivers, offering a unique taste of the country's refined cuisine. Settle into traditional teahouses, to witness intricate ceremonies, or join the locals as they fill out karaoke bars to sing the night away. In the spring, cherry blossom paints a delicate pink sheen over the city's innumerable parks and gardens.

3 Included Shore Excursions
Rikugien Garden & Asakusa

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 0.9 miles (about 1.4 kilometers), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and narrow passes and gravel surfaces at the Rikugien Garden. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Order of visit may vary. Local tour guides often have strong accents; flexibility is encouraged.

Views of Tokyo

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 300 yards (275 meters) at the Tokyo Tower, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The view from the Tokyo Tower observatory is dependant upon the weather conditions. Local tour guides often have strong accents; flexibility is encouraged.

Tokyo on Your Own Exploration

• Activity Level - Minimal (Accessibility - Moderate Mobility Issues)
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal to moderate amount of walking at the various sites guests choose to visit and a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not guided. Walking in Tokyo is at the discretion of each guest. Lunch is at gues's own expense. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but not for those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Japanese Yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.

Dense and delightful, there's nowhere else like Japan's kinetic capital - a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with a relentless pursuit for the future's sharpest edge. See the city from above, as elevators rocket you up to towering viewing platforms, from which you can survey a vast urban ocean, interspersed with sky-scraping needles. Look out as far as the distant loom of Mount Fuji's cone on clear days. Futuristic - second-accurate - transport seamlessly links Tokyo's 14 districts, while the glow of flashing advertisement boards, clinking of arcade machines, and waves of humanity flowing along its streets add to the sense of mesmerizing, dizzying, and glorious sensory overload. One of Tokyo's most iconic sights, don't miss the flood of people scrambling to cross Shibuya's famous intersection. Join the choreographed dance, as crowds of briefcase-carrying commuters are given the green light to cross at the same time - all bathed in the light of massive neon advertisements. The culture is immensely rich and deep, with 7th-century, lantern-decorated temples, stunning palaces, and tranquil scarlet shrines waiting below cloaks of incense and nestling between soaring skyscrapers. Restaurants serve up precisely prepared sushi and wafer-thin seafood slivers, offering a unique taste of the country's refined cuisine. Settle into traditional teahouses to witness intricate ceremonies, or join the locals as they fill out karaoke bars to sing the night away. In the spring, cherry blossom paints a delicate pink sheen over the city's innumerable parks and gardens.